Josh Groban builds musical “Bridges” for United Center, Idina Menzel defies vocal gravity

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

During one of Josh Groban’s many warm conversations with the first two floors of the United Center during the “Bridges” Tour, he started rattling off the many activities on his plate since the “Stages” album and surrounding shows went gangbusters. Between acting on Broadway and Netflix, co-hosting the Tony Awards, alongside ongoing singing, writing and recording commitments, it was enough to make anyone exhausted, and the very least, understand if the 37-year-old star himself came across a little weary.

In addition to collaborations with Josh Groban, Idina Menzel opened the show with an hour’s worth of solo material and smashes she originated from “Frozen,” “Wicked,” “Rent” and more.

Nonetheless, for 100 or so minutes, the operatic pop performer poured his all into every last note and comedic banter with a rapt crowd who soaked in selections from a career that’s now spanned eight studio albums and sales eclipsing 30 million. The new “Bigger Than Us” greeted everyone with his grand voice, glorious orchestra and elegant production that kept climbing come the booming ballad “You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up).”

From there, Groban introduced a community choir for the inspiring “Granted,” kept the chills coming with “Pure Imagination” and “Oceano,” then made his way to the b-stage at the back of the arena. And that’s when the headliner really heated up, knocking Billy Joel’s “She’s Always A Woman” out of the park on piano, then inviting out “bananas incredible” support act Idina Menzel for the glistening duets “Lullaby” and “Falling Slowly.”

Though each track had a message of its own, frequently within the context of a soundtrack storyline or a morsel of multi-purpose encouragement, “River” specifically went out to those struggling with depression and anxiety. Groban did indeed bring a sense of healing and hope to pretty much everything he touched, which was especially apparent during the finale “You Raise Me Up” when fans shot straight to their feet and genuinely earned an encore.

In addition to collaborations, Menzel opened the show with an hour’s worth of solo material and smashes she originated from “Frozen,” “Wicked,” “Rent” and more. Whether it was “Brave,” “The Wizard And I,” “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “Let It Go” or “Take Me Or Leave Me,” the Tony and Grammy Award winner reached for the heavens and always defied vocal gravity.

Click here for more photos of Josh Groban at the United Center.

For additional information on Josh Groban and Idina Menzel, visit JoshGroban.com and IdinaMenzel.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation shows, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert and event highlights at the United Center include Michelle Obama (Nov. 13); 107.5 WGCI-FM Big Jam featuring Cardi B (Nov. 24); Charlie Wilson (Nov. 30) and Travis Scott (Dec. 6). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com.

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Josh Groban builds musical “Bridges” for United Center, Idina Menzel defies vocal gravity

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